BARGAINING

UPDATES

April 18, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • We reached tentative agreements on our Recognition Article and Union Rights Article.

  • We presented counter proposals for Shared Governance and Health and Safety.

  • We offered a new proposal governing Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Bullying. 

Dear fellow grad workers,

During our bargaining session on April 17th, we tentatively agreed on our recognition article, which defines who comprises our bargaining unit, and our Union Rights article.

We also presented counter proposals to the administration on Shared Governance and Health and Safety, and a new proposal governing non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-bullying. The Health and Safety proposal covers essential aspects of our health and well-being in the workplace, including but not limited to health and safety training and standards for reporting safety concerns. The non-discrimination article covers protections for all grad workers and procedures for handling discrimination, harassment, and bullying situations, should they arise. This includes provisions allowing grad workers to have a union representative during these procedures.

If you are currently a TA/TF/GSA/GSR or fellow, sign your USW membership card online if you haven’t done so yet. If you have questions, feel free to reach out!

Remember, if you experience any changes to your working conditions or if your department suggests that compensation is held up or unavailable due to the bargaining process, let us know. Ordinary compensation processes should continue, including supplemental pay, reimbursements, and travel support. Email pittgradunion@usw.org with as many details as possible!

In solidarity, 

Your bargaining committee 

Lauren Wewer, Chair (MEMS)  
Michaela Cushing-Daniels, Recording Secretary (SPIA)  
Keanna Cash (SOE)  
Greta Cheng (SPH)  
Aden Halpern (Economics)  
Alisa Omelchenko (SOM)  
Chi-Tsung Chang (English)  
Tori Bonidie (Physics & Astronomy)  
Hollen Tillman (SSW)
Matt Nader (USW)
Nate Kilbert (USW)
Robin Sowards (USW)
Don Shaffer (USW)